Parents using the St. Paul’s Child Care Center, Catasauqua, gathered in the church auditorium May 15 to listen to options to keep the center functioning. Len Witt, church council member, confirmed the new owners do not want to continue the program.

“We gave the new owners the financial picture and the advantages of the nursery. They reviewed everything but made the decision to close the nursery at St. Paul’s,” Witt said.

The announcement was not unexpected.

“We only have one buyer. It is an Islamic church,” he said. “They want to close at the end of June. The agreement is to have the building vacant by June 23.

“I am the only one in direct contact with the buyers. We will release the details of the agreement once it is signed,” he added.

According to Witt, the meeting with parents was called as soon as the decision was made. Witt confirmed there would be no time extensions granted to the nursery.

Once the details of the transfer were confirmed, parents turned their attention to finding a solution.

Pastor Brian Riedy, of Holy Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, also in Catasauqua, told the parents that he approached the Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua, but it was not able to help.

“There is an expense and a responsibility associated with a nursery. The church is not willing to take on the responsibilities,” he said.

The child care center takes children 6 weeks to 5 years old. There are 88 children enrolled, with 60 showing up every day.

Costs are higher than average for the service, it was noted. Witt indicated the program is run effectively and parents did not object to the costs.

Becky Gillespie, one of the parents, likened the closing to breaking up a family. She promised her support, as did all of the other parents.

Debbie Hessinger, who runs the center, looked at alternative options. The Gentle Care building near Sheckler Elementary School is the right location but would need to be gutted and reworked. The rectory at the Presbyterian church is for sale but requires extensive renovation. Bethany United Methodist Church did not work either.

Hessinger said she is not giving up and is exploring additional spaces. A viable location is the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church on Grove Street, Hanover Township. Riedy will explore the option with church elders.

The Suburban North Family YMCA is expanding its offerings, including day care services. No one from the YMCA was in attendance to explain options to parents.

The parents outlined their needs. They want to keep the people who are running the nursery now; they have confidence in their abilities and the care they have shown. The space needs to be at least 4,500 square feet. They want the nursery to be affiliated with a religious organization and to be located in or near Catasauqua.

After hearing problems with existing locations, Tiffany Smith offered to organize volunteers who would be available to transform a space into a nursery. Megan Smith, of Salem United Church of Christ, is actively involved in finding a solution.

There are legal challenges using the name and getting licenses renewed, which can be addressed. The time frame for a resolution is the more pressing concern.

Fixing and repairing a space to use as a nursery could take until September - in time for the school year. However, it would limit care options during the summer months.

Keeping the existing staff together is another challenge, as most of the caregivers need a regular income. Some could be hired part time by the YMCA for its expanded program, but most are looking for full-time employment.

Parents realized they may need a temporary option. They were assured they would be welcomed back when St. Paul’s is relocated. According to Witt, playground equipment can be moved to a new location.

Solutions are up to Hessinger, who will continue to look for options, with the assistance of Riedy and the support and encouragement of many of the parents.

No definite date was set for the group to reconvene. Parents will continue to use the St. Paul’s facility until the last day.